Environmental Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Environmental Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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In the UK for Research Quality in Geography and Environmental Sciences
The Times University Rankings 2025In the World for citations per paper in Earth and Marine Sciences
QS World University Rankings 2026Taught by world-leading researchers, this highly flexible degree programme will allow you to explore how the physical, chemical and biological components of the natural environment function and how they're impacted by, and affect, our society, politics and culture in this era of the Anthropocene.
Our Environmental Sciences programme explores questions such as: How can we tackle the climate and biodiversity crises? What are the best strategies for achieving Net Zero? How are our oceans and rivers changing? What physical processes drive our weather? What happens inside an erupting volcano? How can we transform our energy systems and achieve greater sustainability in our lifestyles?
The environment supports all aspects of our daily life but is also the source of some of the most complex and wide-ranging challenges facing humanity. The need for environmental scientists who can help us respond to these challenges and ‘make a difference’ at local and global scale has never been greater. This degree will help you become one of these essential people.
At UEA, you’ll conduct experiments in our state-of-the-art laboratories, and develop highly valued transferable skills in data analysis, spatial visualisation and science communication. You'll gain important field skills and have the exciting opportunity to embark on national and international fieldwork in places such as Greece, Ireland, Swaziland, or Peru.
Upon graduating, you'll be a highly trained environmental scientist, well-equipped to take up rewarding positions across the public and private sectors where you can provide real world solutions to today’s environmental challenges. Check out Ed’s story, who is now working as a Project Manager in whale and dolphin conservation, having graduated with a BSc in Environmental Sciences from UEA.
This course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)(opens in a new window).
Students enrolled on IES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the Institution. Look for the CHES accreditation logo which provides a mark of quality and indicates that an educational institute is planning the career paths of its students.
After graduating, you may choose to progress to a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status. This will demonstrate to employers your ongoing commitment to developing the knowledge and skills you gained in your degree.
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This course is accredited by
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Employability is embedded in all our modules, helping you to develop your career aspirations throughout your course. We work closely with UEA’s Careers Service to help you track and reflect on your activities via the UEA Award. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet employers (including alumni), explore your career options, speak to industry mentors, and apply for internships, volunteering, and exciting graduate jobs.
Our degrees lead to a range of specialist environmental careers in areas such as sustainable environmental management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, carbon reduction, catchment management, weather forecasting, geophysics, natural hazard analysis, risk management, and teaching and education.
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Find out more about studying Environmental Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreUK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Contextual offer: BBC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management.
Diploma: DD plus grade B at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus grade B at A level.
Contextual offer: DD plus grade C at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus grade C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus grade BB at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR D in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Forensic & Criminal Investigation plus grade BB at A level. The Extended Certificate in Countryside Management is not accepted, however, we will consider the Foundation Diploma in Countryside Management with D alongside A level grade BB.
Contextual offer: D plus grade BC at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR D in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Forensic & Criminal Investigation plus grade BC at A level. The Extended Certificate in Countryside Management is not accepted, however, we will consider the Foundation Diploma in Countryside Management with D alongside A level grade BC.
NOTE: For Animal Management we accept Extended Diploma only as content not acceptable for other BTEC suites.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science and Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - https://www.uea.ac.uk/course/undergraduate/bsc-environmental-sciences-with-a-foundation-year
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
AAABB including grade A Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
The optional residential field courses in the second, third and fourth years require a student contribution. You can find details for individual field courses in the module information.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Environmental Sciences starting September 2025 for 3 years